If you have been drinking large amounts of alcohol for an extended period, you may find that cutting back or quitting entirely leads to uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms. It is important to understand the signs and symptoms of alcohol withdrawal so that you can seek medical help if necessary. Here’s what you should know about alcohol withdrawal.
What Are The Symptoms?
Alcohol withdrawal symptoms can range from mild to severe, depending on the amount and duration of prior alcohol use. Common mild symptoms include insomnia, tremors, nausea and vomiting, headache, diaphoresis (heavy sweating), anxiety, and restlessness. More severe symptoms include confusion, hallucinations or delirium, high blood pressure and heart rate, seizure activity, or even coma in extreme cases.
How Long Do Symptoms Last?
The duration of symptoms can also vary from person to person. Milder cases may only last a few days while more severe cases might require hospitalization for up to two weeks or more. It is very important to seek medical help if experiencing any of the moderate to severe symptoms listed above as these can be life-threatening in some cases.
Types of Withdrawal Symptoms
Alcohol withdrawal symptoms range from mild to severe and can include both physical and psychological withdrawal symptoms. Milder physical withdrawal symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, headaches, insomnia, sweating, tremors or shakes, fatigue, or exhaustion. More severe physical withdrawal symptoms may include high blood pressure, rapid heart rate (tachycardia), confusion or delirium tremens (DTs), seizures or convulsions, fever (hyperthermia), or hallucinations.
Psychological withdrawal symptoms may include anxiety disorders such as panic attacks or depression; mood swings; irritability; difficulty concentrating; poor memory; difficulty sleeping; increased sensitivity to sound and light; irrational thinking or behavior; decreased appetite; suicidal thoughts or actions.
Managing Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms
Here are five tips for managing those symptoms.
Educate Yourself
Being informed about the potential risks of alcohol withdrawal is the first step in managing your symptoms. It is important to learn about all of the possible physical and psychological effects that may occur during withdrawal and how to best address them. Knowing what might happen can help you prepare for any issues that arise and make sure you have the proper support system in place if needed.
Take Medications as Prescribed by your Doctor
Depending on the severity of your alcohol use disorder, your doctor may prescribe medications such as benzodiazepines or antipsychotics in order to help manage your withdrawal symptoms and reduce potential harm. It is important to follow your doctor’s instructions when taking these medications and never take more than prescribed without talking with your doctor first.
Get Support from Friends and Family Members
When it comes to quitting alcohol, having a strong support system can make a world of difference in managing both physical and emotional withdrawal symptoms. Letting those closest to you know that you are trying to quit drinking will ensure that there will always be someone around who can provide emotional support when needed most.
Exercise Regularly
Exercise releases endorphins which can help reduce cravings as well as improve overall mood. Regular exercise also helps keep your body healthy, which is especially important during times of high stress. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise per day. Walking, jogging, yoga, swimming, cycling, and weight training —all of these activities will help reduce stress levels while providing additional health benefits.
Reach Out for Professional Help
If you find yourself struggling with withdrawal symptoms or cravings that seem too difficult to handle on your own, seeking professional help can be beneficial. Seeking out a therapist or counselor who specializes in addiction treatment can provide invaluable insight into how best to manage these feelings while helping create positive lifestyle changes going forward.
Alcohol withdrawal is a serious condition that requires medical attention in order to ensure safety during detoxification. If you think you may have an AUD it is important not only to seek professional help but also to understand the potential risks associated with stopping drinking suddenly without assistance from a healthcare provider who specializes in treating substance abuse disorders like AUDs.
By understanding the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal and seeking treatment early on you will be able to set yourself up for success in your journey toward sobriety! Intended Audience: People who believe they might have an alcohol use disorder (AUD).
